The March 28 inauguration of Jayne Marie (Jamie) Comstock Williamson as the 10th president of Winthrop University signals a new era in the institution's history.
A visionary and inspirational leader, Comstock is the state's only female president
of a public university. She has charted a bold course for Winthrop's future in order
to redefine public higher education. Her goals are to be inclusive, rather than exclusive,
while delivering a high-quality academic experience so that all students — regardless
of demographic category or life experience — have access to an exceptional public
institution such as Winthrop.
The March 28, 2 p.m. investiture ceremony at Byrnes Auditorium and the community reception immediately following will highlight the week of inauguration
activities. Other events include a variety of faculty-led lectures, art and research
exhibitions, performances, athletic events, service activities, and the annual Model United Nations conference.
In honor of Comstock and the vision for Winthrop's future that she will detail in
her inauguration speech, the Dare to Rise fund has been established to support access
to quality higher education. The fund will galvanize a spectrum of initiatives designed
to ensure the highest caliber instruction and academic support for students, including
need-based scholarships. Please give so Winthrop may Dare to Rise!
The first annual Winthrop Conference on Teaching and Learning, held Feb. 21, provided faculty members an opportunity to share their knowledge on classroom best practices and unique topics of interest to their colleagues during an informative afternoon of discussion. Breakout sessions included ways to boost students' critical thinking, using social media in creative ways to expand the academic experience, engaging student learning, immersing international students into the American classroom and much more. Faculty members embraced the time to share tips and to stay updated on the latest higher education trends.
It's the most stressful time of the year! Papers are due, tests are coming, projects loom — and they all stand in the way of your student and Spring Break. At the Winthrop University Academic Success Center, we encourage students to prepare for tests, projects and papers throughout the semester, but that doesn't stop things from piling up before major breaks. So, here are some of our favorite tips for reducing midterm stress that you can use in your daily life and share with your student:
Study — This is probably the last thing that you want to do, but making progress on something
that is stressing you out will make you feel better. Remember that studying is best
done in sprints versus marathons. Use 40-50 minute study bursts, followed by a 10-20
minute break. Adopt the Study Cycle into your routine.
Take time to do things you enjoy — Working nonstop on your schoolwork will leave you feeling exhausted and irritated.
Go to the movies with friends, spend some time at the gym to get an endorphin high,
or do a little bit of retail therapy. You'll feel refreshed and ready to take on your
academic tasks.
Remember your resources —Sign up for a tutor or a learning strategies workshop at the Academic Success Center, take your paper to the Writing Center for some feedback, talk to someone at Center for Student Wellness to help you cope with stress, go to an exercise class at the West Center or ask a Dacus librarian how you can maximize the benefits of our library. Winthrop has tons of resources available to help you during these stressful times.
Eat an elephant — One of my mom's favorite sayings is: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a
time." Keep perspective and don't get overwhelmed because that will only make you
feel worse. Even when your to-do list is a mile long, you need to take it one bite
at a time and celebrate the little victories.
Stick to a schedule — Map out your weeks before midterm and create a schedule for yourself to make sure
you can get everything done. Prioritize your to-do list to make sure that you are
completing assignments efficiently. Look for gaps in your day when you could be working
on academic tasks and using your time wisely. All-nighters are not an effective time
management technique!
Sleep — Speaking of all-nighters, sleep is one of the most important tools for fighting
stress during midterms. It keeps your mood balanced, your body working correctly,
and converts study material from short- to long-term memory. Remember to get at least
seven hours each night.
The Academic Success Center is an office dedicated to student success at Winthrop through "helping underprepared students prepare, prepared students advance, and advanced students excel" (NADE). Our office offers a wide variety of services and would be delighted to be a part of your student's success journey. Please visit our website for more information.
Tips to Help Your Student Make the Most of their Spring Break
The possibilities of how your student will spend their spring break are nearly endless.
Contrary to what is portrayed in the media, the majority of college students are responsible.
Most college students will use spring break as a time to visit family and friends,
work, study, or catch up on school work. Some will choose to participate in an alternative
spring break program. Regardless of your student's plans, you can help to ensure they
remain healthy and safe while having fun.
The flu can make spring break a flop! Encourage your student to get vaccinated against
the flu if they have not already done so. It takes approximately 2 weeks for the vaccine
to become effective. The flu vaccine is available at Health Services located on the
second floor of the Crawford Building. The charge will be applied to their student
account.
If your student is traveling abroad, immunizations might be necessary. Encourage
your student to make an appointment with Winthrop's Travel Clinic for destination-specific
pre-travel assessments, vaccines, prescriptions for preventive medicine, and health
and safety information for travel out of the country.
With the current discussion of healthcare and possible policy changes, this might
be a good time to review your policy. Be sure your student is covered if traveling
out of state or abroad. As a parent, you want peace of mind that your student is safe
while giving them the space they need.
Ask your student to share their itinerary, travel information, and travel companions.
Without asking, your student will probably text or call you when they reach their
destination. If you have any concern that they won't, just ask.
If your student will be driving, urge them to have the vehicle inspected for proper
fluid levels, tire inflation, and that all lights are working properly. Rental vehicles
usually maintain a regular maintenance schedule.
Encourage your student and their passengers to wear their seat belts at all times.
Your student should avoid distractions and abide by all traffic laws. Texting, dialing,
putting on makeup and other distractions while driving can increase your student's
risk for a crash. Encourage them to know the laws in the area to which they will travel.
It is important for your student to always be aware of their surroundings. Not everyone
will have their best interest at heart. So, your student and their travel companions
should look out for each other.
Predatory or date rape drugs can impair memory, cause drowsiness, lethargy, and unconsciousness.
Encourage your student to never leave their drink unattended and to only accept drinks
directly from the bartender/waiter.
Alcohol lowers inhibition. Let your student know that a good time does not mean alcohol.
If alcohol is consumed, advise them to alternate alcoholic beverages with water or
other non-alcoholic beverages.
Advise your student and their friends to choose a designated driver or make arrangements
for a taxi/car service to take them back to their hotel before going out. The designated
driver should not have any alcohol. Impairment begins with the first drink.
Your student should be aware of their surroundings at all times. While texting and
other social media is fun and allows us to communicate quickly, it should not impede
our safety.
At Center for Student Wellness we work diligently to enhance the knowledge and improve
the skills of our students so they can make informed decisions. We encourage abstinence,
safe behaviors, and awareness of potential risks that accompany their choices.
Not all college students are sexually active. Abstinence remains the best option
to avoid unintended pregnancies and infections. If sexual activity is likely, then
appropriate and adequate protection should be available and accessible.
Encourage your student not to get into a vehicle with a stranger or someone they
have just met. They should also avoid approaching or getting too close to vehicles
occupied by someone they don't know.
It is known that smoking causes diseases and reduces one's health. Even smoking socially
or occasionally can lead to addiction and cause harm. Encourage your student to avoid
or quit using tobacco products.
Encourage your student to wear sunglasses, a wide brim hat, and sunscreen of at least
SPF 15 to protect their skin against the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is beneficial
for all skin types and should be applied to the full body and reapplied often.
Make time to talk with your student about their plans and share this information accordingly.
It's Not Too Early to Consider the Winthrop Summer Advantage
Summer Session at Winthrop offers your student many benefits. Students may not realize that they can save money (summer tuition is reduced from fall/spring). They may not know that enrolling in summer courses can assist them in graduating on time or early. Students with LIFE Scholarships have the opportunity to increase their earned hours and boost their GPA. Courses are offered both on campus and online. Have a conversation with your student to discuss the Winthrop Summer Advantage. Registration begins March 26. Visit our website for more information.
Although lately it's been a bit white and cold here on campus, spring is just around
the corner!
March and April are typically the time of year when students start to get low on their
Caf Cash. For a limited time, we are offering a Caf Cash bonus promotion! For every
$100 placed on your student's account, we will add a 10% bonus. If you add $100, your
student will get $110, add $200 and get $220, etc. It's a great deal and only will
last for a short time. Load up for the rest of the semester!
To purchase Caf Cash, you can go to our website and create a username and password. The only information you will need from your
student is their student ID number (the long number on the bottom of their ID card).
You then can choose the amount you would like to add and click "check out." This allows
you to purchase with your credit card. The 10% bonus will be added by the office once
we receive your purchase of $100 or more. If you have any questions or trouble adding
Caf Cash, please don't hesitate to call the Dining Services Office at 803/323-2119.
Hope to see you dining here on campus soon!
Midterm Grades Available 3/3
Course Withdrawal deadline 3/12
Spring Break 3/17-21
Inauguration Events 3/24-29
Investiture of Jayne Marie (Jamie) Comstock 3/28 @ 2 p.m. in Byrnes Auditorium
